Friday, 5 June 2015

Governor
Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Friday approved an upward review of
group life insurance compensation for officers and men of the state
Police Command.

Ambode made the disclosure during a visit to the Command’s Headquarters at Ikeja, Lagos.

NAN reports that the scheme was initiated by ex-governor Babatunde Fashola.

Fashola
had subscribed to an additional group life insurance scheme to
complement the Federal Government’s policy on Contributory Pensions Act.

Ambode
said that with the review, senior officers would have N5 million as
against N2 million, while officers in the inspector cadre would have N3
million as against N1.5million.

He said that other ranks would have insurance benefit increased from N1 million to N2million.

According
to him, the gesture is informed by the critical roles the police have
played in the enhancement of the state economy by securing lives and
property.

“Given
that the scheme which covers death and permanent disability is almost
16 years, one cannot but agree that the compensation value has become
grossly inadequate.“Therefore,
in fulfillment of our resolve to sustain, improve and consolidate on
past achievements, I am pleased to announce the upward review of the
compensation value. This will take immediate effect,” Ambode said.

He
sought the partnership of the Police in ensuring safety and security of
lives and property while assuring them that the State Government would
put their concerns and constraints in the front burner.

“I
consider it compelling to again seek your robust partnership and
collaboration as we advance the cause for a safe and secure Lagos State.“As
21st century Police officers, you are expected to scale up your skills
and professional conduct in a manner that citizens will see you as true
friends who will not compromise integrity and forthrightness,” he said.

The
governor also sought their support and cooperation in facilitating the
strict enforcement of the Lagos State Law on protection against violence
and the state criminal laws that had to do with domestic violence
against women and rape.

“By
doing that, we will be sending a strong signal of zero tolerance to
such barbaric acts and also conveying a message to our women of our
commitment to their protection,” he said.

Earlier,
the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Kayode Aderanti, said the
governor’s visit within the first week of assumption of duty was a clear
demonstration of the new administration’s commitment to security.

Aderanti
said the nexus between security and business could not be
overemphasised and assured that the security of the state would not be
compromised in any way.